Cart Upgrade & Peer-to-Peer Transfer Program
Cart Upgrade & Peer-to-Peer Transfer Program
The King of Pops Cart Upgrade & Peer-to-Peer Transfer Program provides franchisees with a standardized process for upgrading leased carts and transferring eligible leased carts between franchisees.
Participation is voluntary, subject to King of Pops approval, and governed by the applicable agreements and current program terms.
Start With the Cart Request FormEvery cart upgrade or peer-to-peer transfer begins by submitting the Cart Request Form.
Select the applicable request type and provide the requested cart, franchisee, and transaction information. Franchise Support will review the submission and provide the appropriate next steps.
Cart UpgradesThe Cart Upgrade Program allows an eligible franchisee to surrender an existing leased cart and, if the upgrade is completed, enter into a new lease for a new King of Pops wide-mouth cart equipped with cold plates.
How the Upgrade Process Works1. Submit the Cart Request Form
Select Cart Upgrade and identify the cart or carts you are requesting to upgrade.
2. HQ Reviews the Request
King of Pops reviews the request based on current program eligibility, account and compliance status, equipment availability, operational considerations, and other applicable factors.
Submission of a request does not guarantee approval.
3. Sign the Upgrade Agreement
If the request is approved to proceed, King of Pops will issue a Cart Upgrade Agreement and Partial Lease Termination.
The agreement documents the return and inspection of the existing cart, determination of the Upgrade Credit, partial termination of the existing lease, and conditions for completing the upgrade.
4. Return the Existing Cart
The franchisee must return the cart to the location designated by King of Pops.
Unless King of Pops approves an exception in writing, the franchisee is responsible for packaging, freight, insurance, and transportation costs associated with returning the cart.
Remove all product, personal property, and franchisee-owned accessories before shipment.
All leased equipment originally provided under the applicable Cart Lease must be returned. Depending on the original lease, this may include the cart body, lids, and cold plates.
5. HQ Inspects the Cart
After the cart is received, King of Pops inspects its identity, completeness, structural condition, functionality, graphics, hardware, and overall condition.
The inspection may include:
- Cart body and fiberglass condition
- Lids
- Cold plates, when included in the original lease
- Wheels and casters
- Push rails and handles
- Umbrella holder
- Graphics and branding
- Unauthorized modifications
- Missing components
- Damage beyond ordinary wear and tear
- Overall functionality and cosmetic condition
6. HQ Determines the Upgrade Credit
Following inspection, King of Pops determines the Upgrade Credit, if any, in its reasonable business judgment.
The amount may be affected by the cart’s condition, completeness, age, unauthorized modifications, missing components, structural damage, and other relevant factors.
Upgrade Credits are not guaranteed and are not published as fixed amounts because each cart is evaluated individually.
7. Accept or Decline the Upgrade Credit
King of Pops communicates the approved Upgrade Credit to the franchisee.
The franchisee may then elect to proceed or decline the proposed upgrade terms.
If the franchisee declines after the cart has been returned, the parties must determine the disposition of the cart. Any cost to return the cart to the franchisee will normally be the franchisee’s responsibility unless otherwise agreed in writing.
8. Complete the Replacement Cart Transaction
If the franchisee accepts the Upgrade Credit:
- A new Cart Lease is executed.
- The Upgrade Credit is applied.
- Any remaining balance, shipping charges, taxes, or approved fees are invoiced.
- The new wide-mouth cart with cold plates is prepared for shipment.
- King of Pops updates the applicable lease and asset records.
Because the existing cart must be returned and inspected before the Upgrade Credit is determined, franchisees should plan for a period when the returned cart is unavailable and the replacement cart has not yet been delivered.
Peer-to-Peer Cart TransfersA peer-to-peer transfer allows an eligible leased cart to move from one King of Pops franchisee to another with prior written approval from King of Pops.
A peer-to-peer transfer does not transfer ownership of the cart. King of Pops retains ownership of all leased carts.
No transfer may occur until King of Pops has approved the transaction and all required agreements have been completed.
How the Transfer Process Works1. Submit the Cart Request Form
Select Peer-to-Peer Transfer and identify:
- The current franchisee
- The receiving franchisee
- The cart or carts involved
- The proposed transfer date
- Any proposed financial consideration
- The proposed transportation arrangement
2. HQ Reviews the Request
King of Pops confirms that both franchisees are eligible and in good standing and reviews the cart and proposed transaction.
Submission does not guarantee approval.
3. Complete the Transfer Documents
If approved, the participating franchisees and King of Pops complete the required transfer documentation.
The current franchisee’s lease obligations relating to the transferred cart must be properly terminated or reassigned as directed by King of Pops, and the receiving franchisee must execute a new Cart Lease before operating the cart.
4. Agree on Financial and Transportation Terms
Any financial consideration associated with the transfer is negotiated directly between the participating franchisees.
King of Pops:
- Does not establish or negotiate the amount
- Does not collect or guarantee payment
- Does not finance the transaction
- Does not guarantee the cart’s condition or value
Transportation responsibility and costs must also be agreed between the participating franchisees and documented in the transfer agreement.
5. Document Included and Excluded Components
Unless King of Pops expressly approves otherwise, a used cart transferred between franchisees does not include:
- Cold plates
The agreement must identify any accessories or components that are included or excluded.
6. Complete the Transfer
The receiving franchisee may not operate the cart until:
- King of Pops has approved the transfer
- All required transfer documents are complete
- The receiving franchisee has executed the new Cart Lease
- Required insurance, branding, and operational requirements are satisfied
- King of Pops has updated its asset and lease records
Any original new-cart warranty or service commitment does not transfer unless King of Pops expressly confirms otherwise in writing.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhere do I start?Submit the Cart Request Form. All cart upgrade and transfer requests begin with that form.
Is every upgrade request approved?No. Participation is voluntary and subject to King of Pops approval, current program eligibility, equipment availability, compliance status, and other operational considerations.
Who pays to return a cart for an upgrade?Unless King of Pops approves an exception in writing, the franchisee returning the cart is responsible for packaging, freight, insurance, and transportation costs.
How is the Upgrade Credit determined?King of Pops determines the Upgrade Credit, if any, only after receiving and inspecting the returned cart. There is no guaranteed or fixed credit.
Can I decline the Upgrade Credit?Yes. However, because the cart has already been returned for inspection, its return or other disposition must be coordinated with King of Pops. Return transportation costs will normally be the franchisee’s responsibility.
Can I continue using my old cart until the replacement arrives?The existing cart must be returned and inspected before the Upgrade Credit can be determined. Franchisees should plan for potential downtime between returning the existing cart and receiving the replacement.
What replacement cart is available through the program?Approved upgrades are completed with a new King of Pops wide-mouth cart equipped with cold plates.
Can I transfer a cart without King of Pops approval?No. All peer-to-peer transfers require prior written approval and completed documentation.
Do I own a leased cart that I transfer to another franchisee?No. King of Pops retains ownership of leased carts. The transaction transfers possession and lease responsibility through the approved King of Pops process.
What is included with a used transferred cart?Unless specifically approved otherwise, used transferred carts do not include cold plates, a drain assembly, hinges, or latches. Included and excluded items must be documented in the transfer agreement.
Can I transfer a cart outside the King of Pops franchise system?No. Leased King of Pops carts may only be transferred through an approved King of Pops process.
Who should I contact with questions?Submit the Cart Request Form or contact Franchise Support.